A Hammond man has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for his role in a brazen identity theft scheme.
Leon Thomas, 38, of Chesterton, Indiana, was sentenced by District Judge Jon DeGuilio to 24 months imprisonment, $25,216.00 in restitution and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed by the government in this case, from June 2009 through July 2010, while employed at a manufacturing company in Michigan City, Indiana, Thomas applied for unemployment insurance benefits and extended unemployment benefits using the identity of his brother by using his social security number and date of birth.
While working for the company, Thomas unlawfully received unemployment insurance benefit payments that consisted of federal and state money. When asked on the weekly claim voucher whether he was working, Thomas answered no, when in truth he was working and receiving a paycheck.
Thomas unlawfully received a total of $11,590 in Federal funds as well as $13,626 in State funds for the unemployment benefits.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Department of Labor, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Barbara Brook.
Thomas’ sentence serves as a reminder that identity theft is a serious crime with serious consequences. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
For more information on this case, contact Mary Hatton at (219) 314-9993 or mary.hatton@usdoj.gov.
Related Federal Cases
- Chicago Thief Paris Lawrence Jailed for $36K Retail Heist Spree · Indiana
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- Dyer Man Dipen Patel Charged With FIFRA Violation · Michigan
- LaSalle Street Kidnapper Gets Life: Thomas Sentenced · Kentucky
- Alexander KneGINICH Arrested for Faking U.S. Citizenship · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News